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October 31, 2007

Pretending

"Hey Mom! Guess what we're playing?"

"What's that, Czarina?"

"Mary, Jesus, and Ralph."

Hm.

I'm not really sure where a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fits into the story of the birth of our Lord, but I just gotta see this one play out.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:47 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Taking Back Halloween

Hello, my name is WonderGirl, I'm a Christian, and I take my children trick or treating.

Why? CANDY! And dressing up in fun costumes. And carving pumpkins into silly faces. And scary corn mazes. Did I mention the candy?

But it's more than that. I feel led to celebrate Halloween. I'll explain.

I'm tempted to just link to some other people who have given such good explanations about why Christians can (and mayhaps should) celebrate Halloween. But that seems like cheating in some way, so I'll give you the long and short of why WE celebrate, with liberal use of exerpts here and there that say it better than I can.

There are SO many misconceptions about the origins of Halloween. I won't go into them all, because that's been done quite a bit. You can read a good synopsis here. Suffice it to say, most of what the secular world thinks about Halloween is just out and out false historically.

Halloween is "All Hallows’ Eve". It is the day before All Saints Day, which is November 1. Jim Jordan gives a good run down of All Saint's Day (HT to Rich for this link): "It is the celebration of the victory of the saints in union with Christ. The observance of various celebrations of All Saints arose in the late 300s, and these were united and fixed on November 1 in the late 700s. The origin of All Saints Day and of All Saints Eve in Mediterranean Christianity had nothing to do with Celtic Druidism or the Church’s fight against Druidism (assuming there ever even was any such thing as Druidism, which is actually a myth concocted in the 19th century by neo-pagans.)"

It is not "the devil's day". It is actually the very opposite. Satan has been thwarted, Christ has won the victory, and this is a day of celebration! We remember those saints that have gone on before us, and laugh at the defeat of our enemy. More from Jim Jordan: "This is why the custom arose of portraying Satan in a ridiculous red suit with horns and a tail. Nobody thinks the devil really looks like this; the Bible teaches that he is the fallen Arch-Cherub. Rather, the idea is to ridicule him because he has lost the battle with Jesus and he no longer has power over us." Halloween is a day of mockery. It reduces the power of Satan to plastic fangs and fake blood... it is a day when the ghoulish and ghastly are really nothing more than peeled grapes in a bowl, cold cooked spaghetti. It is a day when someone says, "BOO!" and we laugh.

So, we've got this holiday that we've relinquished culturally over the years. The meaning of the day is convoluted. So what to do about that? Reclaim it. Don't be afraid of it. What have we to fear? Spooks have no power over the name of Jesus Christ! Laugh at the futile, pitiful attempts of the Fallen. Don't cower in your house, with the lights off, warding off the evil of trick or treaters. Brandy says it so well on her blog: "We are to be missional Christians. What kind of message does it send to the world we are supposed to be reaching, especially the kids, when they find a dark porch with no candy or a note that says "We don't participate in this holiday." How much better would it be if, in the midst of such a dark night, we had the brightest house on the block, decorated with tons of white lights. We could hand out the BEST candy! Full sized candy bars. And, if you have time to spare, make cool wrappers to tape around that say, "Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8" That is one night that we have a unique opportunity. When kids from non christian families in our neighborhood come to our house year after year hopefully they will remember the Christians as the most generous, the most joyous, the least fearful."

I love that!

Are there elements of Halloween that we should be careful of? Well, naturally. The Bible is pretty clear on avoiding evil and embracing righteousness. But we are salt and light, as much on October 31st as any other day of the year. We shouldn't give that day away because we are afraid. Dennis Ruport says, "While Christians should absolutely avoid pagan practices, Christian hype tends to make us overreact to benign folk elements of Halloween. We appear like zany buffoons to the world when there is no necessity for doing so. Furthermore, our groundless retreat from all elements of Halloween leaves a vacuum that wicked elements delight to fill."

So there you have it. That's why we celebrate Halloween.

(But mostly just the candy. Ha.)

PS: I am including our weekly pastoral letter in the extended entry for my own record keeping, and in case you are interested in reading a more detailed theological defense of Halloween. There's definitely a reason Rich gets the paycheck! It's great!

Continue reading "Taking Back Halloween"

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:33 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

October 30, 2007

$1.4B Oops

Forgive me for a moment, while I completely lose it. I don't usually get political, but this just got under my skin and I can't not write about it.

[Begin Rant]

Pentagon accidentally asked for 1.4 billion dollars more than they needed in a budget proposal to Congress last week. According to the request, the money was for equipment to deal with the growing sniper threat in Iraq. The report stated that sniper attacks had quadrupled in the last year, and would only get worse if not controlled.

Well, thank goodness for USA TODAY, which noticed some glaring inconsistencies between the budget request, and in military reports in it's possession. Not only are sniper attacks down since 2006, they've dropped drastically in the last four months!

Pentagon is calling it a "misstatement". Where I come from, we call that sucker A LIE. But never fear, because now that they got busted with fraudulent expenditures have realized their mistake, they're taking action, by removing the term "quadrupled." Wow.

Dave Patterson, deputy undersecretary of Defense says it will be removed because "...it is simply incorrect."

Well, thank goodness. I feel better already!

1.4 billion dollars. Sheesh. That's a bunch of money, y'all. That's a big oops, but you sure wouldn't know it by how cool everybody is playing it. Glad to see they're not too hard on themselves about it. Not like if I'd accidentally "misstated" something on my income tax forms.

I've never seen someone slide out of a lie so smoothly. It makes me ill.

As an aside, the 1.4 billion was just a part of a $42 billion supplemental budget. They have, at least, decided to review the report closer to check for any more innocent errors.

Cost of the war on Iraq so far: $464 billion dollars. I can't even fathom that number, or what we could be doing with it instead. It just seems like our country could really, REALLY use an infusion of it's OWN money. There are leaks and holes and rust spots in our country. We've got poverty and disease and illiteracy and a homeless epidemic. Most of America is struggling to put food on the table and living without health insurance. We have needs HERE. It's just hard to know that we're in Iraq, doing who knows what (because you know we have no idea what is going on) for people who may honestly HATE us for interfering in something we barely even understand to begin with. Nobody can really tell us WHY we're doing WHATEVER it is we're doing. Am I wrong here? Am I the only one who is this clueless?

It's thoroughly depressing. I'm so sick of this war, I don't understand it anymore.

[End Rant]

Anyway, sorry to be a downer. Just needed to get that out. I'll be back to brighter topics tomorrow, as it is Halloween and we are on the cusp of candy nirvana! I will bury my troubles in caramel.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:00 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Those Meddling Kids

It is my opinion that Scooby and Shaggy are terribly exploited by Vanessa Daphne, Velma, and Fred. They always get the dirty jobs, the life-threatening, scary, dangerous ones. They are ALWAYS the bait.

And all for a few measly Scooby snacks?

D, V, and F should be ashamed of themselves, taking advantage of a dog and a half-wit like that.

Tsk.

Now back to less random thoughts.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:58 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Cross Dressing

Not a question you normally expect from your husband: "So, do you think we can work on my dress tonight?"

Well, sure babe. I don't want you walking around in an ill fitting dress.

Halloween, here he comes! And yes, I WILL be posting pictures, even if I have to hide behind a bush to take them. I can't pass up a chance to immortalize my dear old hubby in a dress and wig. It's scary on so many levels.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:49 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

The Big Scoop

What's up, buttercup? How are y'all getting along this morning? I'm enjoying my coffee, the smell of cinnamon rolls, watching the breeze whipping through the trees outside, and being nice and cozy in my fuzzy robe and slippers. All at once. I may be close to sensory overload! I do love the Fall. There are so many things to titillate the senses!

Okay, I have obtained the greenlight on going public with a very exciting announcement. We wanted to be sure before we told anyone, so we waited a while. We are happy to share the news that we are...

...

...

Continue reading "The Big Scoop"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:20 AM | Comments (10) | TrackBack

October 26, 2007

This and That

Top o'the morning to ya, lads and lassies. How's it going? Mine is off to it's usual start, except we're adding a few runny noses to the mix. Comes with the change in the weather, I guess. We'll be keeping Kleenex in business till April!

So, our weekend is shaping up nicely. King Pen gets off at 2 today, and he's swinging by the house, and picking up HeroBoy and Czarina. They're going to wrangle up his Halloween costume (for the office contest) and get a pumpkin for us to carve. Saturday, my aunt is coming in for a visit. Sunday, we have church, and then our Reformation Day party which includes a cookout and a moonwalk for the kids. We will be trick or treating on Halloween, though. I think I'll write a post on why we do that, as Christians, a little closer to the actual holiday.

Moving on.

November 1st is creeping up on me again, and I've decided to give NaNoWriMo another try. I only did it one year, and didn't get very far at all. I imagine that it will be just as difficult to stick with this year, too, but I'm going for it nonetheless! I actually have a very good story idea, one that I'm fairly in love with, and I didn't have that last time. I had no clear direction at all. So maybe that will make a difference this go round. We'll see.

Update on my hair: tomorrow will be seven days with no shampoo. Last night, I did the baking soda paste on my roots, and that tidied them up a bit. My scalp kinda hurts though! Girls, you'll know what I'm talking about- it's like I've been wearing a ponytail all day long and I've taken it out. I can't imagine why. Maybe because the glands aren't being stimulated like normal? I know in the past, when I've fasted, my teeth have hurt-- like they need a certain amount of "work" or they start to feel weird. I don't know. Just thought it was worth noting. It's still very thick, but not horribly unmanagable. It's not too bad, all told. My "flyaways" are much better, too. It smells strangely "earthy" though, and by that, I do not mean "disgusting". It's more of an absense of smell... like not fruity, or flowery-- no extra fragrance from hair products at all. We'll see what happens. I don't know that I want to give off an "earthy" aroma. That's dangerously close to "gamey" or "oh-my-gosh-what-died-in-here?!" Nothing will stop this experiment faster than a funky smell coming from my head. Right now, it's okay. I'm sure my very honest children will let me know if I start smelling like a dead horse.

Well, I have things to get to. I'll blog later, after the day gets settled in some.

Happy Friday, folks!

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:39 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

October 24, 2007

No Shampoo, Day 4

Okay, so obviously I had been seriously stripping my hair of it's natural oils, because now it's in overdrive trying to correct itself. GUH!! I will spare you no details, friends. It's oily. It's also incredibly thick. I feel like I've got a huge soggy quilt on my head when I wash it. I can barely get my fingers through it when it's wet! I'm going to use a homemade baking soda paste which will help absorb a little bit of the excess oil, and that should help some.

Over all, it just looks like I'm having a slightly bad hair day. It helps to part it on the other side, keeps it from being so flat. I am brushing it alot, distributing the oils from the roots all the way down. So, there's a three inch block of hair between my roots and the ends that actually looks pretty nice and shiny. (Ever the optimist!)

And, as promised, here are some pics. Am I repulsive yet? Go on, tell me true.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:05 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack

What- I'm busy!

What am I doing today, you ask? Well, it certainly isn't watching DVD's all day. No sirree. I'm way too busy to watch the entire sixth season of Smallville back to back. As if!

Now, if you'll excuse me. I, ah, have some things to do. Very important, um... householdy type things. Like laundry. And mopping.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:58 AM | TrackBack

Do I Have To?

Well, I was going to TRY to squeek by without having to include pictures during this whole Shampooless Experiment. But you're not gonna make it that easy on me, are ya? Cruel, dear readers. Cruel. Oh well. It won't be the first time I've humiliated myself on the internets. You can put away your puppy dog eyes now. You win, you scalawags.

Let's start out on a good note. Here is a picture from Saturday, where my hair is shiny and fresh and smells like lilacs. And look at HeroBoy- he's obviously enjoying a clean mummie.

Don't I look happy? Blissfully ignorant of the scary hair to come? I remember that girl. She didn't know how good she had it. Oh, to be her again.

Tomorrow, I will post the first in the what I will call "The Shame Collection".

This was just a GREAT idea.

By the way, I need a catchy name for this thing... "No 'Poo" just doesn't sit right with me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:08 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

October 23, 2007

Shampoo Taboo

Okay, here's the why: "according to the theory, if you wash your hair with plain old water for six weeks, it will reach a state of natural balance and look and smell awesome. You never need another haircare product ever again. It's supposed to be softer, shinier, and sweeter, just like the good Lord intended." A more scientific explanation can be found here.

I've been putting this experiment off until the weather was cooler, because it seems less gross that way. So Saturday was the last day I used shampoo. And the status so far... WHAT THE HECK AM I THINKING? Ew. My hair is flat and oily. That's not unexpected, I realize I've embarked on the Bad Hair Month. I just hope my vanity can withstand it. Thank goodness for ponytails and ballcaps! If I can hang in for two weeks, I think that'll be the worst of it. (Please-oh-please.)

Anybody up for joining Team Shampooless? We can get jerseys! We can call each other in tears when the neighbors start whispering about us! We can hide our heads under matching doorags! It'll be fun! Anyone? Anyone?

I didn't think so. That's what I get for hanging out with sane people.

That's okay. Six weeks from now, my hair will win the Nobel Peace Prize, so it's all good.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:15 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

Dear NBC:

Hi. Long time watcher, first time writer. So, your show Heroes-- I like it. I mean, it's not the best thing I've ever seen, but it makes Monday night a little better. (Especially since you can't count on Jay Leno doing Headlines and doing that asinine Jaywalking bit instead.) Anyway. As a born and bred Southern girl, I feel compelled to point out that your New Orleans characters have absolutely mangled the accent. It's atrocious. Nobody has spoken that way since 1870. I almost can't bear to listen to it.

Please, make a trip down here. Come meet my Papaw and my Nanny, sit on the porch swing. Have a glass of iced tea and listen to our gentle drawl as we talk about how the corn is holding up during the drought. You'll notice that we don't talk like Scarlett O'Hara. Nobody is clinging to Tara, wearing curtains, or shootin' Yankees. It's subtle, y'all.

Okay, that's it. Just tell your actors to pull it back a little.

Thank you,
WonderGirl

PS: Loving The Office!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:16 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

October 22, 2007

Dead or Alive

I'm rounding up a posse for my missing datebook. You can run, but ya cain't hide, ya mule-eared pile of cow chips.

In the meantime, I will be missing every important date in my life. My advance apologies to dentists/doctors, and all people with birthdays.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:55 PM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

The Monday Meeting

Good morning, y'all! Pour yourself a cup of coffee and join me out here on the deck. It's a bit dreary, but there's a breeze!

Let's catch up.

We spent the weekend with King Pen's parents in Luzianne. We played hard, the kids were dirty little puppies all weekend. It's so nice to see them living it up in the country... it makes the 5 1/2 hour drive worth it. We attended my niece's baptism on Sunday, and a celebratory feast afterwards. It was lovely! (Thanks, Amy & Aaron!) We stopped off to meet my folks on the drive home, and they took Czarina, HeroBoy, and the Duke until Tuesday. So, it's just me and Chipmunk today. We have plans, oh yes we do. Plans to clean, and shop, and tickle! It'll be nice.

What else? Chipmunk got FOUR teeth yesterday. Really. There was one little tooth poking through on the top, and an hour later, there were four. Surprisingly, he was in a great mood! Easiest teething ever. But WAH!!! I am NOT ready! He's our last bebe, as far as we're planning, and every milestone is bittersweet for me. It's sad to leave the baby years behind, ya know? -sniff- I don't wanna talk about it anymore.

*composing myself

In other news, Dumbledore is not gay. She just said that for attention. He's not, he's not, he's not.

Moving on.

So, in preparation for Thanksgiving, Martha Stewart has an article on brining your turkey before roasting it. Anybody do that? Does it make a big difference? I'm all for trying it this year. I like turkey, but it's so dry. Maybe this would help.

Also, it looks like it's time to stop washing my hair with shampoo. I've been saying I was just waiting for it to get cooler... and now I've talked myself into a corner. It's cooler. And now I've got to walk the walk. *gulp

I'll be blogging it, of course. Because if I am going to have gross hair for six weeks, I want you to share my pain. It's the least you can do. Also, try not to stare at my turban during week two. And when I finally reach that hair nirvana, when my locks are shiny and fluffy and beautiful, give a sister a high five, won't ya? Then it's your turn.

Okay, I'm gonna get started on my day. I'll upload my pics from the weekend sometime later... so you can see just how dirty my kids were, and how clean my hair was, one last time.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:47 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

October 19, 2007

Easily Distracted

"Time to get dressed, HeroBoy."

"Yes ma'am," he answers, wandering off.

A few minutes later, he yells from the back room, "I can't find any underwear!"

"Look harder!" I yell back, reading directly from the Mom Script. I go back to cleaning the kitchen, waiting for the next phase. I fully expect to have to go find the underwear, which is undoubtedly, right in front of his eyeballs the whole time. But I have to make him look at least one nanosecond by himself. However, the second call doesn't come, and I continue washing sippy cups, assuming his behind is well covered.

Half an hour later, HeroBoy saunters in, naked as the day he was born and TOTALLY oblivious. He holds out a toy.

"Can you put the head back on my Ninja Turtle, Mom?"

-sigh- Boys.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:42 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

October 18, 2007

A Wrinkle In Time

"Do you know how lucky you are?” She smiled at him wryly. “Not most of the time.”

Oh, how do I love Meg, how do I love this book! It was the first piece of literature that caught my imagination on fire. I remember reading it as a child in utter amazement that there could be stories so fantastical, so adventurous. I was in awe at the idea of worlds different from my own, of creatures and things brought into existence only with an author's words. Madeleine L'Engle hypnotized me with her story, entranced me with her characters and language. Before I read this book, I understood sentence structure and plot lines and happy endings. I understood card catalogs and main points and "the moral of the story". But I had never been swept away, never cried along with the storyteller. I had never felt my heart pounding with excitement and fear, never before walked to school with my nose stuck in the pages, leaving my feet to find their way alone on the gravel road.

This is the book that called me by name.

It's why I want to be a writer.

But more importantly, it's why I want my children to be readers. I want them to discover what words can do, where they can take you. I want them to be swept away, to cry, to laugh. I want them to live on different worlds with strange creatures. I want them to sail ships, and fight dragons, and rescue the needy. I want them to befriend monsters, and discover treasure, and ride dolphins.

What better gift to give?

I don't know who put A Wrinkle In Time in my hand. I don't know if was a birthday present, or a Christmas gift, or a hand-me-down. But I do know who gave me the love of reading- my parents. My mother, who pulled us onto her lap and read Dr. Seuss, and Giving Away Susanne... my dad, who read passages from The Hobbit, who used scary voices for giants, and deep and wise voices for wizards. My parents, who let us, all four children, get our own library cards. Who took us faithfully every week to the Summer Reading Program. My parents, who insisted we learn the meaning and spelling of words, who cared about our English grades, and spelling tests and book reports. My parents, who gave (and read) me books of all sorts, knowing that eventually, one would be the key that unlocked a lifetime of reading.

Thank you, Mom and Dad. What you did for me, not all parents do. Thank you for taking the time, for caring. It is a heritage I will pass along to my own children, and they will have their grandparents to thank for it.

"Do you know how lucky you are?" asks Calvin O'Keefe.

Oh yes. Yes, I do.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

October 17, 2007

Sundries

Bad things happen at my house when you don't wash clothes for four days.

No, I'm not on strike. (That hasn't happened since the Incident of '04. Don't even ask.) No, it's our washing machine. It stopped spinning on Saturday, and King Pen has been hard at work on it, but no luck so far. So, we're off to the laundry mat today. The situation is dire. There are dirty clothes everywhere, and clean clothes no where! Czarina has to wear her ballet suit today. HeroBoy is in his halloween costume. I'm wearing an old bridesmaid's dress. The Duke is in pjs, and Chipmunk... well, I'm just glad it's a warm day, 'cause he has to go naked. I sure hope DCFS doesn't happen by our menagerie today... I'd have some 'splaining to do.

In other news, I had to borrow the proverbial cup of sugar from the neighbors this morning. I stumbled to the coffee pot and put my Starbucks beans to work, only to remember afterwards that I was totally out of sugar. I was not a happy camper. I really needed it, superbad. I'm not ashamed to admit it, cause now they say it's healthy for you. Anyway, sugar is a must for me, so off I send my little courier, complete with bedhead and slippers. Thank goodness for lovely neighbors! Yay for furthering an ancient tradition! And whoohoo for coffee!! (Maybe that's enough for WonderGirl, yeah?)

Also to do today... buy diapers, sugar (!), and go pay the electric bill. I know, it's exciting, isn't it? Please, don't be so jealous. Maybe one day you, too, can live the life of a highroller like me. It'll happen, just be patient. Until then, you can live vicariously through me.

Well, I should get started. This fun won't have itself! Have a good day everybody, and I'll catch you later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:37 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

October 16, 2007

Borrowing Beauty

I thought this, posted on Cindy's blog today, was just beautiful.

If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world
.....So let it be.

(A Scottish Blessing)

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:45 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Nibbling on Myself

(Thanks, Mike.) Why must I know what kind of candy I am? Or what annoying B-list celebrity? (Tori Spelling) Or what cute animal? (squirrel) I've dedicated a whole category to it! Sick. But I'm not the only one, am I, dear reader? You're gonna click that button just like I did. Don't deny it, you big Hershey bar.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Very popular, one of you is not enough.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:28 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

October 15, 2007

New Category

My recipe posts have been all helter-skelter, so I've created a new category, "Feed Me, Seymour" to save them to, just as a 411.

Yous welcome.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:12 AM | TrackBack

Gumbolicious

For Amy...

I'm a Mississippi girl married to a Louisiana man, and in our wedding vows, he made sure to include the disclaimer "if she learns to make a proper gumbo". So I knew what I was getting into right up front. I set to work early on learning how my mother-in-law made her delicious gumbo, and ensured my position as Mrs. King Pen till death do us part. Here is a casual rendition of my recipe.

Chicken & Sausage Gumbo:

Continue reading "Gumbolicious"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:59 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Righty or Lefty?

Watch this voluptuous hottie for a minute. Is her fine self turning clockwise, or counterclockwise? If you see clockwise, then you use more of the right side of your brain. If counterclockwise, then you're more leftbrained. If you're just staring at her *ahem*, then you're not using your brain at all, and you're 'bout to get a WonderSmack.

I saw counterclockwise, as did the majority of people, though if you concentrate, you can see her go the other direction, too. Look Ma! I can use both sides of my brain!! For more on what your left/right sides of the brain do, read the article here. For more naughty silhouettes, go here.

Now. On with Monday, yes?

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:38 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

October 14, 2007

I love You.... ca.

Saturday night, we had the pleasure of dining with our next door neighbors, Michelle and Germán, who hail from Peru. Michelle, whose name I had trouble with way-back-when, has since become a good friend of mine. She stays at home with her two boys, and they are big buddies with my own crew. We've got a good thing going in da 'hood. Anyway, they invited us over for some authentic Peruvian food, and I became acquainted with my new very best friend, the yuca root. She sliced it, fried it, and served it with a spicy chili dip, like so:

I think I momentarily passed out from sheer delight after the first bite. It's like french fries on steroids. It's so good, I had to resist the urge to get in the car and drive five hundred miles just to slap my mama. (Sorry, WonderMom. It's just a saying. A cruel, heartless saying that I have no business using.) I am almost frantically craving it right this instant just typing the word YUCA. I want to marry it, buy a house in the 'burbs, have little yuca babies... and then eat them all.

Okay, yeah. That's messed up. Perhaps this is one of those instances when using the "backspace" key would be wise. But I do so enjoy being inflammatory.

Anyway, we had several other dishes, but it was hard to stay focused on them when all I could think about was more sweet, sweet yuca. We drank pisco sour, a grape brandy with lime and egg white, which tasted like a very smooth margarita to me. We listened to some native tunes, talked about American/Peruvian culture and politics, drank wine when we ran out of pisco sour, and yes, gossiped just a WEE bit about the goings on in the neighborhood. Tsk. Anyway, it was lovely. And after we said goodnight, we were two steps from home! That rocked. I love not getting DUI's.

Next time, we're returning the favor and having them over for a traditional Louisiana meal. Although, that fried yuca will be a hard act to follow. I don't know if my gumbo can face that kind of competition.

So that's what we did this weekend. You?

Posted by WonderGirl at 5:56 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

October 12, 2007

On Need

Been reading through Mark lately. I have a confession. I've only now just gotten into a really consistent, diligent Bible study. Sad, but true. I'd been coasting too long, relying on generally being a good person, going to church, and not moving my feet when I dance. (You have to be Baptist to get that joke. Sorry.) Anyway, God gave me a big whop on the noggin, and I've buckled down. So, I've worked my way through a couple books with my sister, and we decided Mark needed some attention. I felt a little sorry for it. It seems overlooked to me. Matthew and Luke get all the props, and poor Mark just gets lost in the shuffle, despite the fact that it was probably written first.

Anyway, it's been interesting. Mark chronicles the ministry of Jesus. This includes His parables and miracles, which, after being a Christian for 26 years, I'm pretty familiar with. No pat on the back, I'm just saying. So I wasn't sure what I'd get out of it. I am loving it, though. What's really stood out to me is all the passion and drama of the people around Jesus. Nothing was mild or lukewarm-everything was so extreme.

I see this specifically in the people's desperate need of Him. They were sick and maimed and possessed- they had leprosy or bleeding diseases or they were DEAD. Their circumstances were dire- catastrophic even. Their need was fierce, and they would do anything to get close to Him. They thronged Him in the streets, reaching, straining, just to touch His garments. They would knock holes in the ceiling to get closer, they would leave their jobs and change their names and follow Him without question, even across the water's surface. Their numbers were so great that He had to get in boats, or on mountains, to preach to them all. Their desire to see Him was so intense that thousands of people would leave home with no food, no money, no preparation for a journey, no thought but seeing and hearing Him. And He fed them all, more that once, with baskets of loaves leftover. They followed Him from town to town, lining the streets, filling the temple, the squares, the homes. At times the crowd was so overwhelming, He had to flee to deserts, mountain tops, islands, just for rest. They were everywhere, all the time, with constant petitions and needs.

I mean, WOW. Can you imagine? He came to a desperate people. They were lost, hopeless without Him. They knew it, knew He was the only way to salvation from their ailments - knew He could cast out the demons, heal the lame, the blind, raise the dead... they knew it and did whatever they could to get to Him. Their physical conditions urged them to Him, but He not only answered those needs. Most importantly, He addressed their spiritual conditions. He healed them, in body and in soul.

And what was true then is no less true today. I need Him. As urgently and critically as the leper, the widow, the taxcollector... I need Him and I must go to the ends of the earth to follow Him. I must climb mountains, go hungry, scale a tree -- I must do whatever is necessary to touch His robes. He is my only hope.

I think it is only when we can begin to see that in ourselves, see our broken state, that we can start to understand how desperately we need a Savior. Going to church is good. Keeping the ten commandments, good. Learning Bible verses, yup, that's good, too. But it's not enough. It never will be. We've got to see that no matter what we do, how good we are, that we are blind and lame and DEAD before God. We need Him in every sense of the word. We must seek Him, and seek Him, and seek Him. And seek Him some more. Whether it's the mountains or the valleys or the deserts, whether we're rich or poor or hungry or fed or walking or lame or bleeding or in the middle of something... wherever and whatever we are, we need Him or we'll perish.

Anyway, so that's what I've gotten out of Mark so far. Good stuff.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:06 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

Chuck Norris

Who hasn't watched Texas Walker Ranger with their Grandma? You know you have. And here's why: Chuck rocks. Check out his biceps. His fierce gaze. His killer high-kick. His dreamcatcher. (Proof that he's not only strong, he's enlightened, too.)

For your viewing pleasure:

Whew. That one glove thing is HOT.

And now, some Chuck Norris Facts (as if you didn't already know them):

• Guns don't kill people. Chuck Norris kills People.


• There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of animals Chuck Norris allows to live.


• Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.


• When Chuck Norris gives you the finger, he's telling you how many seconds you have left to live.


• The chief export of Chuck Norris is Pain.


• There is no chin under Chuck Norris' Beard. There is only another fist.


• Chuck Norris has two speeds. Walk, and Kill.


• The leading causes of death in the United States are: 1. Heart Disease 2. Chuck Norris 3. Cancer


• Chuck Norris puts the "laughter" in "manslaughter".


• Chuck Norris once punched a man in the soul.


• When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.


• Once a cobra bit Chuck Norris' leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.


• Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.


• Chuck Norris doesn't go hunting.... CHUCK NORRIS GOES KILLING


• Chuck Norris once visited the Virgin Islands. They are now The Islands.


• If you spell Chuck Norris wrong on Google it doesn't say, "Did you mean Chuck Norris?" It simply replies, "Run while you still have the chance."

Wow. Whatta man.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:26 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack

October 11, 2007

Good Morning, Moon

I'm trying to love my early morning run, I really am. And it is nice to see the moon wrapping up the night shift, getting ready to go off duty. To see the sun mosey in for the changing of the guards.

But 5:45? Eek. It's tough! I've managed to stumble out the door, bleary-eyed and kinda cranky, several times this week, though. It's that or nothing, there's just no other time to go. And there's only so much "give" in my stretch denim jeans! It's time to take action. My ankle has finally healed up enough to get back into gear, so here we go. And not a minute too soon. I refuse to relinquish my best pair of American Eagle jeans, even if they DO have a hole in the knee. That hole is cool, and you can't convince me otherwise, so don't even try, Ma.

And in this whole new better me revolution, I also decided to cut back on the Diet Dr. Pepper's. Let's observe a moment of silence. I'll admit, my addiction had gotten way out of hand. I can't even tell you how many I was drinking. It was unnatural. There really should have been an intervention of some sort. Where were you people? Don't you care about me? Didn't you see that I had a problem? STOP ENABLING ME! Ha.

Hm. I'm kind of delirious tonight. I think because I am just wiped. I've been so "on" this week-- I've been doing all kinds of stuff with the house and kids and I'm fried- fuh-RYED. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna hit the hay right this minute. It's done time.

I'm shutting up now, sorry.

Hope you have a good night- and I'll hop on here in the morning, after my cuppa. Sweet dreams, butter beans.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

October 10, 2007

A Fine How Do You Do

The alarm went off this morning as usual, but apparently King Pen was a little more out of it than normal. 'Cause he mistook me for the snooze button, and whacked me right on the forehead! Lucky for him, I have a keen sense of humor, even semiconscious, and found it hilarious. This time. I can't guarantee I'll laugh so hard tomorrow morning, though. I'd hate to have to lay the smack down on the fella before we've even had coffee, but I'll do what's necessary! Ha!

More later. Must take out the garbage now.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

October 9, 2007

Things Moms Say

Do you have two minutes and fifty-five seconds? Then please watch this, because it's hilarious.

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1st Day of School Pics

Life is Chipmunk's school, and he's eager for learnin'.

Continue reading "1st Day of School Pics"

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she says before bed

Oh sleepy me.

Day is gone, I know it, and yet, see me fight the night!
With tooth and nail
And toss and turn
The mouse asleep, the candle burned.
The kids tucked in, with slumber's view
Don't I need the sandman, too?
No more stalling, must close the sash
To sleep, to pillow, to sheets, I dash
Make a wish, and close my eyes
Lay down the day, to dreams arise.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:42 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

October 8, 2007

Value Voters Debate

So you have no idea who he is? I didn't either, till King Pen told me about the grassroots movement and how Ron Paul is sweeping the internet community right now. I'm telling you, this guy appeals to people-- and it's easy to see why. Here, see for yourself.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Hope for America?

Ron Paul ... discuss.

I think I really like this guy. For one, he wants to do away with the IRS! A man after my own heart. However, it is unfortunate that every time I hear his name, I think of this:

Not the best name association for a presidential candidate, still, I likes the guy.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:00 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

October 7, 2007

Hen House Whole Wheat Bread

I promised Meghan half a dozen times that I'd share the recipe, so here it is. Amy V., you will recognize this from your mother, who gave it to me when I first got married. I always loved coming to your house and the smell of freshly baked bread!!

This is my Monday activity, and I have to say, I enjoy the whole process. My favorite part is the large, old, heavy bowl I use to mix it all in, and the sweet, yeasty smell of the bread as it rises into a puffy ball inside. Ahhh... now on to the recipe.

Continue reading "Hen House Whole Wheat Bread"

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:16 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack

Living Vine

I wish every mother I know could have been with me at church the last few weeks. I have never been so encouraged, so admonished, so certain that my pastor must be reading my diary. Kidding. Honestly though, the sermons lately have been so overwhelmingly relevant to my life, to where I am right now, that it's spooky. He's been doing a series on the family, and of course, I've paid extra attention to the part about mothers/wives. And to be honest, I think I'd started to forget, or maybe I never fully comprehended, just how important my job is. Just how vital and high a calling I have as a mother.

There is nothing more important, no greater deed to accomplish, than doing this job well. Wow. Let that one soak in. It doesn't mean that a woman can't excel in the professional world, because obviously we can. (Cause we rock.) But, the cost is too great if it means domestic failure. There is no more noble, valuable, respectable, honor-deserving job than the one I am doing right now. I don't have to prove myself in any other thing, I don't have to have the world's validation, I don't have to make a name for myself, I don't have to distinguish myself from my role of wife and mother. Am I more than that? Of course I am. But even what small thing I contribute to the world at large is still tiny in comparison to what I am building in these four walls. What is more consequential- being a few things to all people, or all things to a few people? I may write a book, that thousands of people read, and are affected by for an hour. But in comparison to the affect I have on the four lives of my children, which is twenty-four hours a day, every day, every month, every year... which is the greater contribution? Who do I impact more? Which one of these must I excel at, which depends on my success the most?

It doesn't mean I don't want to have more definition to my life than that of wife/mother-- I do. But it is the lesser need, the lesser calling. That's not a popular concept in our American culture. We're all about our individuality and self actualization, but that's not Biblical. We're to be servants, we're called to sacrifice, take up our cross. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"--Mark 8:36. I don't want to garner the world's favor, which is ever so brief and fickle, at the cost of God's eternal pleasure. Sometimes that means putting aside some personal pursuits, being selfless. And you know what- that doesn't feel good. It wouldn't be sacrifice if it was giving up something that didn't matter. But that's what we're commanded to do. It's not that they are bad things - fishing isn't a bad thing, but Jesus commanded Simon and Andrew to leave it, and follow Him. Sometimes that's what it takes. Leave it, bury it, put it aside. And you will be honored for it, rewarded, if not in this present life, then most definitely in the next. Don't be so caught up in this moment and the daily sacrifice of motherhood that you can't see what comes after.

I don't know if you struggle with these kinds of things, but I'm willing to bet that if you stay at home with your kids, you do. We've forgotten what dignity there is in the dirty dishes. What honor is won in battling dust bunnies and soap scum. That with every household chore we do, we honor God, we model Christ to our children, we build our homes- and that is spiritual warfare. For every Christian home that remains intact, it is a strike against the foe. And we women are on the frontlines of that, everyday, armed with mops and brooms and hearts that serve. It may seem humorous, and it is, because we serve a God with a sense of humor. But it's true. Our hands further the kingdom, and our hearts preserve it.

We should believe that.

But we know it's about more than just those daily tasks. Anybody could do those- we could hire someone to come in and do all those things. It's about more than just the chores we do. It's about who we are, what we are, to our family, that makes motherhood so very meaningful, and makes us individually so important.

You are the living vine of your home, you grow and flourish in every nook and cranny. Your creativity and personality are a bouquet of colors, your breath is the sweet scent of the bloom, your body is the cool shade where they lay their heads... Your roots stabilize, your stems and branches protect and shield, even though you don't know it. You grow in and around everything, creating a rich, lush canopy that shelters and nourishes. Everything about you, yes YOU- you with your love of crossword puzzles, or mystery novels, or chamomile tea, or the color purple, or whatever those things are that make you YOU... those things matter. You matter. Everything about you creates a world for your family. Every nuance of who you are, every quirk, eccentricity- the songs you hum, the perfume you wear, the way you smile, the whole contour of your being... is completely and utterly meaningful. Like the vine, you send tendrils of yourself in every direction. You set the tone, your uniqueness grows a family that is special, different, distinct from any other in the whole world.

You don't just create a home, my sister. You are the home. And it is beautiful in their eyes.

That thought... wow. It fills a need in me, one that goes bonedeep, to feel needed and important... to know why I'm here and what God wants from me.

I hope it will do the same for you. If you want to listen to the series of sermons that inspired this post- go here. (Biblical Theology of the Family, Part 1) They're just incredible. Much of what I've said is straight from his sermons... good thing plagiarism isn't one of the seven deadly sins. Ha.

Now, I don't know about you, but I've gotta go call my momma and tell her I love 'er. Have a good one, folks.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:36 PM | Comments (16) | TrackBack

October 5, 2007

BlogRoll Call

Okay guys, although I am a diehard Bloglines fan and use it for all my blog surfing, I do want to maintain my blogroll for the sake of the masses. I've been updating my list over yonder, so give it a looksie. If I forgot you OR you want to be removed, or you have a blog I don't know about, shoot me an email. If there is an error, misspelling, whatever, please do direct your complaints here. (I'm kiddin'. I do care.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:32 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack

Wrapping It Up

Hullo Friday, you big hunka burning love. I'm happy to see you.

Our weekend is blissfully empty, and I think we need it. I'm looking forward to an unscheduled couple of days. I'd like to get to the library, go for a run, sleep in... everything I want to do and nothing I don't! Lovely! Maybe a tad unrealistic as well, but let a girl dream, yeah? Whatever we end up doing though, I am just glad we're not on the road or on the clock.

This week has been good, much less stressful due to implementing a few changes in our evenings. Here's what we're doing:

First, I planned all our meals for the week on a calendar. That way, I bought what I needed ahead of time, and I could start preparing it early in the day. By 5ish, dinner is cooked and waiting. At 5:30, I get the kids in the bathtub. While they are contained in one space! bathing, I put in the Bach cd, stick Chipmunk in the highchair with some Cheerios, and vacuum, sweep, pick up toys, and set the table. I get the kids cleaned and dressed and send them to straighten up their rooms while I get dinner on the table, and feed Chipmunk. At 6:20, King Pen walks through the door to a surprisingly calm household, and we sit down to eat. Afterwards, we clean up, sombody bathes Chipmunk, and then we spend some family time together... play a game, read a book, something quiet. It's been FABULOUS. I'm SO glad to find a solution to what had become a rather hectic, unenjoyable battle. I have to link to this post (thanks for passing it along, Moriah!!) for the motivation to get our evenings together. It's made a huge difference in our week.

Well, I don't have much else to add at the moment - I need to get lunch made for the kidlings. Hope you all enjoy your weekend, and I'll blog ya later.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:25 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack

October 4, 2007

Brought from Blindness

I have always loved the story of Helen Keller. I must have watched "The Miracle Worker" a thousand times in my lifetime. To me, it is the very picture of God's redemption of His people. He penetrates the darkness of our minds, of our hearts - just as Annie Sullivan reached Helen. And just like Annie, God doesn't always reach us the first time. How we fight Him! We throw plates and scratch His arms, and kick and scream in our ignorance. We sit mute in His presence, with no understanding of the world. How many times must He spell the words into our hands, how many times must He repeat Himself until that day, that magical day, when we understand?

“My heart is singing for joy this morning! A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil's mind, and behold, all things are changed!”

Annie Sullivan's words, but are they? Doesn't God rejoice in this very same thought, when one of His finally understands?

I feel like I have been Helen Keller for so long, for most of my life. I just didn't get it. And then, one day, a light of understanding penetrated my ignorance. And I am a changed person for it. What darkness did I escape, you ask? Does it matter? It is the same darkness we all live in. Anywhere that is apart from God is darkness.

Water- W A T E R... that is the word that changed Helen's life. The word that brought her from the void into the light. My word is another, different, just as yours is different... God patiently spells them all, waiting.

If you stumble in that void today, may your moment be this morning. May the waters of understanding flow over your fingers this very day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:46 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Midmorning Musings

First off... why is my computer so slow today? Anyone? It's sluggish. I sure hope it's the 'internets' acting up and not my laptop. I will seriously have a conniption fit if this thing breaks on me again. And that won't be pretty, my friends. Not pretty at all. There will be stamping of the feet and breaking of the china.

Secondly... have you seen Ikea's 2008 catalog? I got mine in the mail the other day, and I have been drooling over it ever since. -Sigh- I usually avoid window shopping, because it makes me cranky. But I couldn't help myself. And now I want stuff. Lots of it. So last night, I did what all good poor people do, I prayed to win the lottery. We'll see how that works out. Maybe if I pick some ecclesiastical numbers, God would go for it. I know I could work in John 3:16. The 23rd Psalm. Proverbs 31.

Yeah, I'm thinking not, too. But you never know unless you ask, right?

We made our play-dough yesterday. And sweet fancy moses- my arm actually hurt from stirring that stuff! I had no idea it was so labor intensive. Well, it's not really, but it is pretty thick, and I am pretty much a weakling these days. We had no food coloring, so they had to settle for white, which worked out okay. They're pretending to be bakers since it looks like bread dough. It does not, however, taste like bread dough. Ack. (Yes, I did it. It was gross. I can't recommend it.)

All for now, my dearies. I'll hop on later, after I get a jump on the day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:36 AM | TrackBack

October 3, 2007

Captain Caffeine

Top o'the morning to ya, laddies! How are we today? Everybody up and ready to go? I'm working that second cup of joe, and it's got my brain buzzed up a bit. (That's a disclaimer for the rest of this haphazard post.)

I went to bed last night with the most ferocious neck and headache, but it is mercifully gone this morning. I slept so good- it was one of those that even as I was sleeping, I knew how good it was. I'm in the middle of a dream, during which I find out quite suddenly that I am pregnant again- (AHHHH!!), and I have a little sidenote... Hey, I am sleeping GREAT!! Oh yeah, oh yeah... then I realize I am now having my fifth baby and I'm back to crazy dreaming again.

Rambling on.

Today should be pleasant. Yesterday was a bit wild, but today, we're back to normal schedule. I'm introducing some new elements to our life that are hopefully going to smooth out some of the normal, daily chaos. It seems lately that the kids are getting wilder. Less still. More rabidly raccoon-like. That's to be expected because they're getting older... but I still need to be able to control the situation. I don't mind them playing, but there are moments that need to be peaceful and enjoyable for everybody, kids and grownups alike. We're going to try transitioning them to some activities that are quieter, calmer, at certain points of the day. We'll see how that goes. It's hard to play Candyland with wild monkey-children.

Good stuff for the day- Bionic Woman comes on again tonight, so that's something nice to look forward to. (You know I can't pass up a genetically or robotically enhanced femme fatale/ government agent show! Boy, do the networks have me pegged!) Also, it's play-do day! We're making our own in school, and the kids have been eager for it all week. Excellent photo op. I've been so lax about pictures lately... gotta be better about it. Now that the weather is getting cooler, I plan to take some good Fall shots, too. Oh the plans I have!

But I can't get to any of that if I sit here much longer in my pjs. I'll hop on later, minus my pink fuzzy slippers, and check in with all you guys then. Hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!

*I am not going to refill my coffee cup. Nope. Not gunna do it. Well, maybe I'll just top it off... just to warm it back up.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:49 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

October 2, 2007

Forgiveness

It isn't until you realize how desperately you need it, that you learn how to truly give it.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:45 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack

October 1, 2007

With Cream and Two Sugars

Good morning!! Just thought I'd throw that out there, since I could!! Aaahh... coffee and internet access. Best way to start out the day!

So, today's To Do List:

Bake bread.
Prepare babyshower gift and game.
Sewing project.
Schooling.
Make a few phonecalls.

Plus, just the general housework of the day and whatnot. So, a busy day, but a good one. I just LOVE the smell of homemade bread throughout the day. The recipe I use makes three loaves, so I keep one, freeze one, and give one away. It's a good system.

I have realized lately that I've got to kick up my organizational skills. I keep missing birthdays and important dates, and I hate that. I need a good wall calendar. Plus, I need to do something to make our evenings smoother. Dinner is the hardest part of the day for us, but I want it to be the nicest, since it's the one meal we share with King Pen. As soon as he walks through the door, it's chaos until the last kiddo is in bed. I have to figure out how to reduce the stress for that 2 hour period. I have been letting the kids play outside too late, I think. I need to get them inside and bathed before dinner- that would help.

Anyway... just thinking out loud.

Okay, my coffee is cold, and it's time to get to the day. Take it easy, cheesy. I'll blog lata.

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:13 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack